The Le Mans Virtual Series, one of the most prestigious events in sim racing history, is officially making its grand comeback. Motorsport Games has confirmed that qualifiers for the latest edition will kick off in the final quarter of 2025, culminating in a high-stakes championship finale expected in 2026. The announcement has reignited excitement across the global sim racing community, which has been waiting impatiently since the competition’s abrupt pause in early 2024.
The upcoming edition will shift from the long-standing rFactor 2 platform to Le Mans Ultimate, the studio’s new flagship racing title that recently left early access. This move represents a major step in the series’ evolution, combining next-generation visuals, improved race physics, and fully integrated esports support. Motorsport Games CEO Stephen Hood emphasized that the successful test during the 6 Hours of Qatar event earlier this year which saw more than 6,000 racers and 1,700 teams participate proved the platform is ready to host elite-level multi-driver competitions.
The Le Mans Virtual Series first launched in 2020, created as a digital counterpart to real-world motorsport during the global COVID-19 pandemic. In just a few years, it became a showcase of both elite sim racing talent and real-world professional drivers, all competing in a multi-round championship that culminated in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual. The series delivered countless memorable battles, blending precision driving with endurance strategy. However, technical challenges during the 2023–2024 season including well-publicized frustrations from four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen led to its suspension, leaving a void in the competitive sim racing calendar.
While details on the new qualification format have yet to be revealed, past editions allowed aspiring racers to earn their place on the grid through the Le Mans Virtual Cup, with the top two drivers from the season joining motorsport legends in the main 24-hour event. The anticipation around how Motorsport Games will structure this year’s pathway is sky-high, especially given the improvements promised with Le Mans Ultimate.
The return of the Le Mans Virtual Series is more than just another esports competition it is a cultural event for the racing world. It brings together a unique blend of talent, technology, and tradition, where rookies and champions face the same grueling test of skill, strategy, and stamina. Fans can expect epic duels, unpredictable weather dynamics, and a broadcast presentation designed to capture every adrenaline-filled moment.
With qualifiers approaching fast, teams, drivers, and fans are preparing for what could be the most competitive season in the history of the event. The stakes are higher than ever, and the world will be watching to see who can conquer the digital Circuit de la Sarthe and claim their place in sim racing history.
Follow Gaming Moves on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest updates, behind-the-scenes coverage, and insider news from the return of the Le Mans Virtual Series.
